Method of reusing  modified atmospheric packaging

ABSTRACT

A method of restoring a modified atmosphere package, including the steps of providing a package with an opening and holding a modified atmospheric gas, opening the package opening and allowing atmospheric gases to enter to at least partially replace the modified atmospheric gas, changing an amount of product in the package, replacing atmospheric gas in the package with modified atmospheric gas, and sealing the package to retain the modified atmospheric gas.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,962, filed Mar. 9, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,963, filed on Mar. 9, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modified atmospheric packaging and more particularly reusable modified atmospheric packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Innovators have long sought to preserve parishable product, particularly foodstuffs, flowers, and instruments and many other items. Nobody wants to eat stale potato chips or have mold growing on their favorite steaks and vegetables. This has led to a wide variety of solutions.

One such technology is called “modified atmosphere packaging.” Modified atmosphere packaging, MAP, involves an atmosphere differing from normal air. Normally, the oxygen content is reduced and the carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen content is increased, which reduces the oxygen available to aerobic and other organisms. MAP can involve controlling humidity or other atmospheric components.

Five main groups of machines provide modified atmospheric packaging, using either gas flushing or vacuum extraction with gas injection.

The “Horizontal Flow Pack” produces a continuous tube flushed with map gas. Product is placed in the tube and the tube is sealed on both sides of each product and separated from the other packaged product in the same tube. This packaging is single use at the packager's facility.

The “Vertical Flow Pack” operates similar to the horizontal flow pack, but is vertically oriented and used for powdered and bulk products such as coffee and peanuts. This packaging is single use at the packager's facility.

“Deep Drawing Machine” uses a tray, which holds the product. Air is removed with a vacuum and a film overlies the tray. MAP gas is injected and the film is heat sealed to the tray. This packaging is single use at the packager's facility.

A “Vacuum Chamber Machine” places packages in a chamber from which the air is removed. MAP gas is injected to equalize the pressure and the package is heat sealed. This packaging is single use at the packager's facility.

A “Bag Sealing Machine Bag-In-A-Box” uses a snorkel to remove the air. MAP gas is fed in and the snorkel removed. Then the bag is heat welded to seal in the MAP gas. This packaging is single use at the packager's facility.

Some examples of inventive solutions are found in the patent literature:

Myers (U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,266) in the patent, entitled Modified Atmosphere Package and Process, teaches a package for preserving produce in a wholesome condition for an extended period of time is formed by a sealed container enveloping the produce and filled with a preservative gas which inhibits bacterial growth.

DelDuca, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,790) provides a different option. DelDuca, et al. use a modified atmosphere packaging method that creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed.

Koenck et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,154,103) teaches a method of providing extended shelf life fresh meat products involving irradiating the meat products in a first controlled atmosphere and packaging the irradiated meat products in a second controlled atmosphere. The packaged irradiated meat products are then distributed to a retail store.

The five aforemention machine types and Meyers, DelDuca and Koenck are excellent solutions for companies in the business of packaging food for resale. However, they fail to explain what should be done once the consumer opens the container. Regular atmospheric gas, oxygenated, mixes with and destroys the modified atmosphere. This allows bacterial growth to resume at normal speed.

The consumer needs a MAP package that they can use over and over. The consumer should be able to re-modify the atmosphere each time they open the container. Re-modifying greatly extends the shelf-life. Instead of merely extending the time from the producer to the consumer, the shelf life is extended from the producer until the food, or other product, is actually consumed!

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method for restoring a modified atmosphere package. This may include the steps of providing, opening, changing, replacing and sealing. Let's be more specific.

The method may include providing a package with and opening. The package may hold a modified atmospheric gas. The package opening is opened, allowing atmospheric gases to enter to at least partially replace the modified atmospheric gas. The amount of product is changed inside the package. The atmospheric gas in the package is replaced with modified atmospheric gas. The package is sealed to retain the modified atmospheric gas.

Advantageously, the present method allows a package to be reused as modified atmospheric packaging.

Beneficially, the present invention offers a greener solution to food and other storage.

As yet a further advantage, the present method allows the post market to save money due to less spoilage.

These and other benefits and advantages will become clear through reading the detailed description in light of the drawings. Neither the description nor the drawings are to be interpreted as limiting as to the broad scope of protection this invention is entitled to receive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a structure that may be provided with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the entrance port that may be provided with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outer member that may be provided with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a clip which may be used to secure the package opening both which may be provided with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a structure that may be provided with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view partially in phantom showing a third embodiment of a structure that may be provided with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the lid of the third embodiment of a structure that may be provided with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded partial view with a cap shown in cross section of the fourth embodiment of a structure that may be provided with the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is an assembled view of the fourth embodiment of a structure that may be provided with the present invention.

These figures show the preferred embodiment of the present invention and are not to be considered limiting of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Preferred Method:

The present invention is a method of restoring a modified atmosphere package 300, including the steps outlined on FIG. 1. The steps include providing a package structure 310, opening the package 312, changing product in the package 314, replacing atmospheric gas 316, sealing the package 318, and repeating the steps 320. Each of these steps will be discussed in serial fashion.

Providing the package 310 may include providing a package 12 with an opening 20 and holding a modified atmospheric gas 82. Providing the package 310 may further include the step of providing a dish (FIGS. 7 and 8), resealable bag (FIG. 6), bag (FIGS. 2, 5, 9 and 10), can, shipping container, tub, box, carton or other such enclosing device. The package 12 may further be provided with any of the components discussed below under the device section.

Opening the package 312 may include the step of opening the opening 20 and allowing atmospheric gases 40 to enter to at least partially replace the modified atmospheric gas 82. Opening the package 312 may further include the step of disengaging the closure 22, which may further include the step of opening or removing a lid 24, a zipper lock 26, threaded cap 28, clip 30 or other such closing device.

Changing product in the package 314 may include changing an amount of product 70 in the package 12 whether measured in grams or volume. Changing product in the package 314 may also include any one or more of the following steps: placing/adding product 70 in the package 12, removing at least a portion of the product 70 from the package 12, and/or substituting one type of product 70 for another. Examples of product 70 include food, beverages, wine, flowers, musical instruments, tobacco, paint, cloth items, circuit boards, electronics, medical equipment, surveying equipment, camera equipment, audiovisual equipment, forensic science materials, soil/plant/animal sample specimens, guns, chemicals, oil based paint, varnish, stain, spackle and joint compound, putty, solvents, mineral spirits, polyurethane, catalysts, photo, printing, furniture refinishing and auto body chemicals, marine coatings, sign paint, chemical compounds, Tung oil, wood fillers, urethane, gunpowder, some glues, epoxy resin, mold making compound, fuel additive, and dyes. Use it on almost anything that evaporates, spoils, dries or oxidizes by reacting with oxygen or moisture or is otherwise advantaged through being positioned in a controlled atmosphere.

Replacing atmospheric gas 316 in the package 12 exchanges the atmospheric gas 40 with modified atmospheric gas 82. Replacing atmospheric gas 316 preferably involves the steps of: A) partially closing opening 20 and flushing with modified atmospheric gas 82, B) partially closing the opening 20, squeezing atmospheric air 40 out at least a portion of the opening 20, sealing the opening 20 and injecting the package 12 with modified atmospheric gas 82, or C) closing the opening 20, opening the exit port 50, and flushing with modified atmospheric gas 82. That is, an exit port 50 may be opened, while the package opening 20 remains in a closed position. Alternatively, the package opening 20 may be left in an open position, while placing modified atmospheric gas 82 into the package 12. Under replacing steps B or C, this paragraph, the package opening 20 may be in a closed position when placing modified atmospheric gas 92 into the package 12 through an entrance port 60. Ideally, this step is performed in a manner that removes as much atmospheric gas 40 as possible and dilutes the remainder with modified atmospheric gas 82 as possible under the circumstances.

Sealing the package 318 may further involve the step of sealing the opening 20 (if not already done) and sealing the exit port 50 (if provided and open). The package 12 is sealed to retain the modified atmospheric gas 82 inside the package 12, preserving the product 70.

Optionally, repeating the steps 320 includes the further aforementioned steps 312, 314, 316, 318 using the same structures provided in step 310. This method is a repeatable method that allows for continual reuse of the package 12. Each time the modified atmospheric gas 82 is allowed to escape the package 12, the modified atmospheric gas 82 can be restored. That is, the modified atmospheric gas 82 escapes when a user opens the package 12 to change the product inside the package 12. This loss allows the product 70 to immediately resume the degradation process unless the modified atmospheric gas 82 is restored. This inventive method allows for repeated restoration of the modified atmospheric gas 82.

Preferred Device

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the reusable modified atmosphere packaging system 10. The system 10 may include a package 12, a closure 22 (FIG. 5), atmospheric gases 40, an exit port 50, an entrance port 60, product 70, and a modified atmospheric source 80. These will be described in serial fashion.

The package 12 may have a plurality of walls 14 that define an interior space 16, an exterior space 18 and an opening 20. The exterior space 18 circumscribes the package 12 and is selectively joinable with the interior space 16. That is, the opening 20 may be open or closed. The package 12 may be a dish (FIGS. 7 and 8), resealable bag (FIG. 6), bag (FIGS. 2, 5, 9 and 10), can, shipping container, tub, box, carton or other such enclosing device.

The closure 22 desirably selectively separates the interior space 16 from the exterior space 18 across the opening 20. The closure 22 has an open position and a closed position. The closure 22 seals the opening 20 when in the closed position and allows access to the product 70 when in the open position. The closure 22 can move back and forth between the open and closed positions. Closures 22, selected for suitability to the type of package 12, may include a lid 24, a zipper lock 26, threaded cap 28 and clip 30.

Atmospheric gases 40, modified atmospheric gases 82, or a blend may be selectively positioned in the interior space 16. Normal atmospheric gases 40 are approximately 78% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, 1% argon, 0.03% carbon dioxide and other elemental and molecular gases. Atmospheric gases 40 enter the interior space 16 upon unsealing of the opening 20. For instance, a user may be placing or removing product 70 from the package 12.

The exit port 50 extends from the interior space 16 to the exterior space 18. The exit port 50 provides a pathway through which atmospheric gases 40 may leave the interior space 16 as modified atmospheric gases 82 enters into the interior space 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the exit port 50 may be at least a portion of the opening 20. The exit port 50 may be a one-way valve or a closable aperture defined by the wall(s) 14. The exit port 50 has an open position, which allows for escape of atmospheric gas 40, during restoration of the modified atmospheric gas 82. The exit port 50 has a closed position, preventing escape of the modified atmospheric gas 82. The exit port 50 can move back and forth between the open and closed positions.

Entrance port 60 extends from the exterior space 18 to the interior space 16. The entrance port 60 provides a pathway through which modified atmospheric gas 82 may enter the interior space 16 in a controlled fashion. To this end, the entrance port 60 desirably is a one-way valve. Various structures for entrance ports 60 are described more fully below.

Product 70 is positioned in the interior space 16. Examples of product 70 include food, beverages, wine, flowers, musical instruments, tobacco, paint, cloth items, circuit boards, electronics, medical equipment, surveying equipment, camera equipment, audiovisual equipment, forensic science materials, soil/plant/animal sample specimens, guns, chemicals, oil based paint, varnish, stain, spackle and joint compound, putty, solvents, mineral spirits, polyurethane, catalysts, photo, printing, furniture refinishing and auto body chemicals, marine coatings, sign paint, chemical compounds, Tung oil, wood fillers, urethane, gunpowder, some glues, epoxy resin, mold making compound, fuel additive, and dyes. Use it on almost anything that evaporates, spoils, dries or oxidizes by reacting with oxygen or moisture or is otherwise advantaged through being positioned in a controlled atmosphere.

Modified atmosphere source 80 may contain modified atmospheric gases 82. The source 80 may be of any size suited to the needs of the consumer. One source 80 may be an aerosol type can 84 joined to a removable straw 86 and push button 88. Push button 88 controls the flow rate of the modified atmospheric gases 82 in the range from no flow to full flow. The modified atmosphere source 80 selectively seals through the entrance port 60. The modified atmospheric gases 82 through push button 88 and straw 86 are in fluid communication with the interior space 16.

Preferably, the modified atmosphere source 80 is a can of pressurized modified atmospheric gas 82. The modified atmospheric gas 82 maybe at least 50% nitrogen with the balance being carbon dioxide. Desirably, the modified atmospheric gas is offered in multiple concentrations of nitrogen, namely 50%, 75% and 100%. Reduction or removal of the oxygen prevents aerobic organisms from growth and reproduction. The pressure inside the can 84 is envisioned to be in the range of 120 PSI at full pressure and accelerants are not part of the gases 82.

Now referring to FIG. 3, the drawings show a preferred embodiment of the entrance port 60. Entrance port 60 may include an inner member 100, a gasket 110, an outer member 120 and a duckbill 140. Each of these components will be described in serial fashion.

Inner member 100 may have a circumferential wall 102 defining a center aperture 104 therethrough. Installed, the inner member 100 is positioned in the inner space 16 and in part defines the entrance port 60 through a wall 14 of the package 12. Alignment tabs 106, engagable with alignment slots 130 of the outer member 120, may be joined to the circumferential wall 102, extending into the center aperture 104. The alignment tabs 106 may threadably engage with the outer member 120 being received in locking slots 132, fastening the inner member 100 to the outer member 120.

Gasket 110 made be formed of a polymer of high friction co-efficient, such as preferably polypropylene, ABS and/or other. The gasket 110 may provide both a seal and structural structure integrity to the package 12 when the entrance port 60 is secured to the package 12. The gasket 110 may define a center aperture 112 therethrough.

Outer member 120 may have a circumferential wall 122 that extends through the center aperture 112 of the gasket 110 and center aperture 104 of the inner member 100. The inner member 100 is positioned in the interior space 16, the outer member 120 is positioned in the exterior space 18 extending into the interior space 16. The inner member 100 threadedly engages with the outer member 120 with the gasket 110 positioned therebetween. The gasket 110 preferably is positioned in exterior space 18, but could be positioned in the interior space 16.

The outer member 120 defines a center aperture 124. The center apertures 104, 112, and 124 of the inner member 100, gasket 110 and outer member 120 may be co-axially aligned. The outer member 120, positioned outside the package 12, gasket 110, optionally positioned and inner member 100, positioned inside the package 12 cooperatively define a portion of the entrance port 60.

The outer member 120 may define alignment slots 130. Alignment tabs 106 may be received through the alignment slots 130, aligning the inner member 100 with the outer member 120. Thereafter, a twist of the inner member 100 relative to the outer member 120 positions the alignment tabs 106 into the locking slots 132. The outer member 120 defines the locking slots 132.

The preferred manner of connection between the inner member 100 and outer member 120 is the twist lock as previously described. The design may optionally use other manners of attachment such as magnetic, adhesive, friction-fit, snap-fit and other fastening mechanisms known in the art.

The outer member 120 may have an arc 126 of teeth 128. Alternatively, the arc 126 of teeth 128 may be secured to the inner member 100. The teeth 128 are positioned to puncture the wall 14 of the package 12 when engaging the inner member 100 and outer member 120. For instance, the teeth 128 may be mounted on the circumferential wall 122 of the outer member 120 and oriented into the center aperture 104 of the inner member 100. As shown in FIG. 4, one or more teeth 128 may be of an exaggerated size, e.g., long, relative to the remaining teeth 128, focusing the initial puncture force against the wall 14 of the package 12.

The duckbill check valve 140 is received in the center aperture 124 of and secures to the outer member 120. The attachment may be friction, bonded, snap-fit or other manner of attachment. Duckbill 140 is a one-way valve. The most preferred duck bill 140 is available through Vernay Laboratories, 120 East College Street, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. The duckbill 140 is a deformable elastomeric material that readily, selectively and sealably receives the straw 86 of the modified atmospheric source 80 through a center aperture 142. The stem 144 may be extended to enhance the sealed relations between the duck bill 140 and straw 86 and the attachment to the outer member 120.

FIG. 5 shows a clip 30 which may sealably secure to the package 12, sealing the opening 20. Alternatively, a zipper lock 26, as shown in FIG. 6, may seal the opening 20. In both these embodiments, the exit port 50 may be at least a portion of the full opening 20. That is, one may partially cinch the opening 20, substantially closing it, but still allowing some room for the exit of atmospheric gas 40 as the modified atmospheric gas 82 enters the interior space 16.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The package 12 may be a container such as a microwavable food container with lid 24. The exit port 50 may include an aperture 52 and a slide 54. The slide 54 may have an open position (as shown) where the aperture 52 is uncovered, allowing atmospheric gas 40 to escape. The slide 54 may have a closed position in which the slide 54 seals the aperture 52. The entrance port 60 may be constructed as previously described, although preferably the construct is more simple. For the entrance port 60, the lid 24 may define an aperture 62 and a duckbill check valve 140 may be set in the aperture.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the package 12 may be a bag 150 such as a bag that holds a loaf of bread. The exit port 50 is at least a portion of the opening 20. A collar 152 defines an aperture 154. The open end of the bag 150 may be pushed into the aperture 154 of the collar 152 and thereafter folded back over the collar 152. Threads 156 on the collar 152 mate with threads 158 on the cap 160. That is, the collar 152 threadedly engages the cap 160 with a portion of the bag 150 positioned therebetween as a gasket. The entrance port 60 may be an aperture 162 formed in the cap 160. A duckbill check valve 140 may be inserted into and the aperture 162 and secured to the cap 160. Here, a user, with the bag 150 extending through the aperture 154 of the collar 152, lightly squeezes atmospheric gas 40 out the opening 20 in the bag 150 sufficiently strong to remove the atmospheric gas 40 and sufficiently weak to not harm the product 70. Then the cap 160 is then secured to the collar 152 with the bag 150 trapped therebetween. Modified atmospheric gas 82 may be directed through the entrance port 60 into the bag 150.

In operation, the present invention 10 allows for repeated restoration of a modified atmosphere within packaging. An entrance port 60 is joined to a package 12. The inner member 100, positioned inside the package 12 is engaged with the outer member 120, positioned on the outside of the package 12. A straw 86 or other delivery apparatus, such as a quick release valve and hose attachment, sealably connects a modified atmospheric source 80 with the entrance port 60 and inner space 16. Pressing the push button 88 allows modified atmospheric gas 82 to flow from the modified atmospheric source 80 into the package 12. This flow of gas 82 causes a localized pressure wave that optionally may push atmospheric gas 40 out of the package 12 through the exit port 50. The package 12 is sealed precluding loss of the modified atmospheric gas 82 until a user wishes to access product 70 inside the package 12 through the opening 20. The unsealing allows atmospheric gas 40 back into the package 12. Whereupon, the modified atmospheric gases 82 can be restored inside the package 12 through following the immediately proceeding process.

The present invention has been described with reference to the appended drawings disclosing the best mode of making and using the invention in sufficient detail as to allow one or ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. Modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

I claim:
 1. A method of restoring a modified atmosphere package, comprising the steps of: A) providing a package with an opening and holding a modified atmospheric gas, B) opening the package opening and allowing atmospheric gases to enter to at least partially replace the modified atmospheric gas, C) changing an amount of product in the package, D) replacing atmospheric gas in the package with modified atmospheric gas, and E) sealing the package to retain the modified atmospheric gas.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of changing the amount of product comprises the step of: removing at least a portion of the product from the package.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of changing the amount of product comprises the step of: placing product in the package.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of changing the amount of product comprises the step of: substituting a type of product in the package.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: repeating steps B through E, using the same package.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of replacing atmospheric gas, further comprises the step of: opening an exit port while the package opening remains in a closed position.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of replacing atmospheric gas, further comprises the step of: squeezing atmospheric air out at least a portion of the opening.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of replacing atmospheric gas, further comprises the step of: closing the opening of the package then placing modified atmospheric gas into the package through an entrance port.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of replacing atmospheric gas, further comprises the step of: leaving the package opening in an open position, while placing modified atmospheric gas into the package.
 10. A method of restoring a modified atmosphere package, comprising the steps of: A) providing a package with an opening and holding a modified atmospheric gas, B) opening the package opening and allowing atmospheric gases to enter to at least partially replace the modified atmospheric gas, C) changing an amount of product in the package, D) replacing atmospheric gas in the package with modified atmospheric gas, E) sealing the package to retain the modified atmospheric gas, and F) repeating steps B through E with using the same package.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of changing the amount of product comprises the step of: removing at least a portion of the product from the package.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of changing the amount of product comprises the step of: placing product in the package.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of changing the amount of product comprises the step of: substituting a type of product in the package.
 14. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of replacing atmospheric gas, further comprises the step of: opening an exit port while the package opening remains in a closed position.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of replacing atmospheric gas, further comprises the step of: squeezing atmospheric air out at least a portion of the opening.
 16. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of replacing atmospheric gas, further comprises the step of: closing the opening of the package then placing modified atmospheric gas into the package.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of replacing atmospheric gas, further comprises the step of: leaving the package opening in an open position, while placing modified atmospheric gas into the package.
 18. A method of restoring a modified atmosphere package, comprising the steps of: A) providing a package with an opening and a modified atmospheric gas source, B) opening the package opening and allowing atmospheric gases to enter an interior space of the package, C) placing product in the interior space of the package, D) replacing atmospheric gas in the package with modified atmospheric gas from the modified atmospheric gas source, E) sealing the package to retain the modified atmospheric gas, and F) repeating steps B through E with using the same package.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of: closing the opening of the package prior to the step of replacing atmospheric gas.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of closing the opening, further comprises the step of: opening an exit port. 